How To Get Mildew And Its Smell Out Of A Rug?

You might place your favorite traditional rug inside the home or outside. If the rug gets wet due to a spill or rainwater and is left unattended, there’s a chance it will develop mildew and smell bad. The good news is that you can remove the fungal spores from the rug. While it will take some time, you can do this with just a few ingredients at home.

What Is Mildew?

Mildew is a comprehensive term for mold or fungus. The growth of these spores can cause allergic reactions in sensitive people when inhaled. Unfortunately, mildew can thrive on most organic matter, including your favorite rug. If a surface is wet and dusty, the spores can feed on them. As a consequence, they grow and spread.

Identifying Mildew Growth On A Rug

Before learning about how to get mildew out of a rug, you should learn to identify its occurrence. The most common identifier for its growth is mildew visible atop the rug. But you could look for these other indicators.

Discoloration

Sometimes, a rug develops a dark or discolored section. This might be a chemical reaction to dampness. If there is no other reason for the discoloration, it might be a mildew problem.

Folding Or Curling

Press down on the rug. If it folds with the pressure, there might be spores of mildew present. Even if parts of the material look like they curl under, moisture might be crawling into it and causing mold growth.

Related: How to Flatten a rug?

Musty Odor

The odor of these fungal particles is distinct and off-putting. So a rug with an unprecedented odor might have mildew growth.

Unusual Allergies

Getting an allergy without an underlying condition is one sign of mildew growth. If you’re allergic to the spores, you might experience mild symptoms like coughing, sneezing, skin and eye irritation, and a sore throat. A more severe reaction might be trouble breathing.

A Burning Smell Or Appearance

Spores of mildew can burn under the light of the sun, leaving behind a burning smell. You may even notice the edges of the rug look burnt.

Home Ingredients To Remove Mildew From A Rug

If you see any of the above signs, you should learn how to get mildew and its smell out of the rug. First, you must gather some common home ingredients.

Baking Soda:

This natural deodorizer could get rid of the smell and freshen the rug.

Vinegar:

Vinegar focuses on mildew spores that may grow on the rug and eliminates them.

Rubbing Alcohol:

The solution is concentrated with isopropyl alcohol, water, and other chemicals. So, it is ideal for removing mildew from a rug that isn’t too damp in small to medium areas.

Hydrogen Peroxide:

You could use hydrogen peroxide for mildew stains that do not go away even after applying vinegar or baking soda. But do not use it in a concentrated form. Instead, add five parts of water with one part of hydrogen to a spray bottle.

Steps To Remove Mildew And Its Odor From The Rug

You now know how to identify mildew growth and the ingredients needed to remove it. Next, follow this step-by-step guide to remove the spore growth and its odor.

Dry The Area

• After you have located the source of the odor, you must work toward drying the area.
• Fix the leak or spill and dry the area.
• You could also pull back the rug's edges or remove the baseboard to let air circulate.
• A dehumidifier can get rid of moisture from the air and the rug.
• Some rugs might have extra padding that goes damp with water. Replace it to prevent the smell from coming back.

Related: How to dry a rug?

Vacuum The Rug

After drying, you must:

• Vacuum the entire rug in straight lines. Overlap each line by at least 50% when vacuuming a line parallel to it. The vacuum may have special tools, including a crevice attachment. Use it to access hard-to-reach regions.
• Empty the vacuum and clean the filters after each use. It will prevent mildew spores from recurring in the rug.
• You might have to vacuum the area a few times to get all the spores out.

Apply A Cleaning Solution

Vacuuming is great. But, it’ll only reduce the mildew in the rug for so long. To sanitize the rug, apply a cleaning solution from one of four home remedies from earlier. You could:

• Sprinkle baking soda on the fibers.
• Use rubbing alcohol to clean small to medium areas, only if the rug isn’t too damp.
• Apply a hydrogen peroxide mixture on the rug to target spores.
• Spray vinegar on the rug, but with personal protective gear.

These options should help tackle a specific stage of mildew spread and effectively clean the rug.

Scrub The Rug

Scrubbing the rug is another important aspect of getting mildew out. After applying the cleaning solution, you must:

• Use an old scrubbing brush, toothbrush, or scrub pad to scrub the mildew-infested areas. For larger areas, borrow or rent an electric scrubber or steam cleaner.
• Scrub it in small circles, work from the outside in, and let it sit for about 30 minutes.
• Next, use a towel or a wet and dry vacuum to absorb most of the moisture from the rug.
• Rinse the rug with water to remove residue. Repeat this a few times for tougher stains.
• Cleaning solutions, even at-home solutions, release chemical fumes. Ventilate the room by opening the windows.
• You can also use an air purifier to remove musty smells from the room.

Let It Dry

You can open the windows to help with the drying. But to expedite the drying process, our experts at The Rug Decor recommend some additional measures:

• Turn on nearby fans and keep them aimed at the rug to keep the air flowing. The fibers may take between 8 to 24 hours to dry based on its size.
• Avoid walking on the rug while it dries. Stepping on it could push the mildew deeper into the fibers.

Sprinkle Baking Soda To Deodorize

You can sprinkle baking soda on the rug and let it sit overnight. The powder should absorb the mildew and musty smells. Next, vacuum the baking soda the following morning with the hose or brush attachment on the appliance.

If The Issue Persists, Hire An Expert

If you have tried everything and the stain or odor of mildew still does not go away, you ought to hire an expert. The expert may know other ways to clean the rug and remove odors. 

Tips To Prevent Mildew Growth And Smell On Rugs

Apart from the steps above, you can take measures to prevent mildew from growing in the first place.

Maintain Low Humidity Levels

Mildew growth is often the consequential result of moisture in the air. Use an air purifier with a HEPA filter to remove moisture from the home and improve ventilation.

Clean Spills Quickly

A spill is a focal point for mildew growth and musty odors. Blot the spill with an absorbent cloth and dry the region. A large spill might require additional ventilation, such as a fan, to dry the area quickly.

Vacuum Frequently

Mildew usually thrives in areas with dirt and debris. You should vacuum the rug at least once a month to get the particles out.

Get Antimicrobial Padding

Antimicrobial padding for rugs disperses silver ions, which can kill mildew spores. Check for padding with permanent antimicrobial agents. It will also keep the rug fresh.

Look For Rug Alternatives

Some homes may have too much moisture. The ideal solution is to switch to more viable alternatives, like nylon or polypropylene rugs. The synthetic nature is water-resistant. Moreover, Berber-style rugs are ideal for high-moisture areas, including basements, as they dry quickly.

The Rug Decor’s Mildew-Resistant Outdoor Rugs

Want to beautify every corner of your home with rugs, including the patio? Check out all the available options at The Rug Decor, such as the mildew-resistant outdoor rugs. Each outdoor rug boasts a unique design while offering exceptional durability and comfort. Moreover, our rugs have synthetic fibers to withstand harsh conditions like heavy showers. So, the rugs can be kept out in the rain and not mildew. However, regular cleaning and drying of the rug is recommended.

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Frequently Asked Questions

You could refer to all the information above to get rid of mildew spores and the smell, out of the rug. But, there are other questions you may have about rugs. Our experts at The Rug Decor have answered some of the most common queries.

Can A Rug Be Outside In The Rain And Not Mildew?

A rug left outdoors in the rain for a long time can harbour mildew. But you can prevent this by using rugs designed to be kept outdoors. The best part? You can find these options at The Rug Decor. Our outdoor rugs collection is highly durable. They are made with water-resistant materials like polypropylene to survive most weather conditions. So, our rugs can be kept out in the rain and not harbour mildew. However, it is important to regularly clean and dry your rug to extend the lifespan of your outdoor rug. 

Why Does My Carpet Smell Like Mildew After Cleaning?

The rug might smell like mildew because moisture is still in its fiber. Even small water droplets stuck in fibers trigger mildew growth and unpleasant odors. You need to ensure the rug is completely dry and free from mildew before placing it back on the floor.

What Kills Mildew On Rugs?

The steps and items needed to eliminate mildew on rugs depend on the extent of growth and your preference. You can use home ingredients like baking soda, vinegar, rubbing alcohol, and hydrogen peroxide can help. Another way to get rid of mildew from a rug is by using a steam cleaner. The appliance generates ample heat to kill mildew spores through heat treatment. You could also suction out the pores with a HEPA vacuum cleaner. Or, hire an expert for the job.

What To Sprinkle On The Carpet For Odor?

You can sprinkle baking soda on the rug. Let the ingredients sit on the fibers. This will absorb most of the moisture and odor. After leaving the baking soda there overnight, vacuum the area thoroughly. This should help address the bad odor.